Dyche: 200 And Counting Is Collective Reward

Sean Dyche believes the Clarets’ strength of unity is paying dividends as he approaches his 200th league game in charge.

Dyche is the seventh longest-serving manager in the country following his appointment at the end of October, 2012.

The 45-year-old has brought an unprecedented level of success to Turf Moor in the modern era, with two promotions to the Premier League – including one as Championship winners – and now the guarantee of back-to-back top-flight campaigns for the first time since 1975.

“I have been told about that. I don’t sit there keeping count but it’s a good marker,” said Dyche as he prepares to mark his double-century with Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth – managed by predecessor Eddie Howe.

“I have to give credit to the staff and the players and the board, because there are times when I’ll have been questioned – not by them individually but because of the nature of football and the demands that are on it.

“All parties have stayed strong and we’ve got some rewards for it.”

The Clarets were in the bottom half of the Championship when Sean Dyche took charge in 2012

Dyche took a few months to steady the ship and put his mark on the club when he arrived following a first taste of management at Watford.

And his plans have since come to impressive fruition as the leader of a collective effort from top to bottom.

Dyche added: “I mentioned when I got here that one-club mentality and this alignment idea, all the way through the club – board, chief executive, manager, staff, players and then leaning to the fans.

“I think it’s been built on honesty and with a purpose where fans have been kept in the picture.

“We try and tell them the truth of what’s going on, as I see it, and equally with the players and the staff.

“I think we’ve found that alignment I was looking for and long may it continue, because I think it’s a good way of working where all parties know the truth and the reality of the situation.

“That’s the bigger picture stuff and the immediate picture is to get on with the game against Bournemouth and try and get another three points.”